Housetraining any dog, at any age, is easy if you follow these top ten tips!

Stay with your dog at the beginning stages of housetraining! Most people open the door and pop the puppy or newly adopted dog in the yard, assuming the dog knows what she is out there for. Well, she doesn’t - unless she has learned that outside is to pee and inside is not. Go with her, on leash, wait till she does, praise, unclip the leash and play with her, or go for a walk if that’s a reward in your dog’s eyes.


Never punish for accidents – the only thing your dog will learn is to NOT void when you’re around. He’ll either hide it, waits till you are out of sight, and might not even eliminate on a walk in fear to be punished. Your dog has accidents because he had to go, or is anxious, stressed or afraid, or overly aroused, or simply doesn’t know any better. It’s never out of spite.


Clean the accident spot with a good enzymatic cleaner and make sure the smell is gone to the satisfaction of your dog. Housetraining is impossible as long as she smells that she has gone there before. She’ll go there again. Residual smell for a dog is what a Washroom sign in a restaurant is for you - social permission to eliminate.


Don’t allow your new dog, especially a pup, the run of the house. A house is a pretty large area for a dog. Unless learned, he has no idea that all of it is regarded living space by you.

After an accident is cleaned thoroughly, and the odor is out, feed your dog there, or play with her, or snuggle with her there. Not only is the pee smell out, but you put “living smell” in. That clarifies and helps the dog to understand the difference.

Make sure your dog is healthy. If accidents are the result of a physical problem, housetraining won't happen. Life is very frustrating for a dog who knows what do to, but can't do it.


Don’t interrupt the flow with an exuberant and happy “Good Dog”. Chances are that your dog will stop peeing when she hears your upbeat voice. There will be residual pee in the bladder that’ll either go on the carpet, or you’ll be asked to head outside soon again. Wait with your praise till your dog is done.


Work incrementally with a pup who has been paper trained. Be patient and understand that someone, the breeder, has taught your dog during her imprinting first few weeks of life to pee IN THE HOUSE. Moving the paper incrementally closer and closer to the door, and then outside, speeds things up.


Peeing on the rug is a great attention-getter for a bored pup and dog. If your dog has an accident, go outside with her as matter of factly as possible. The more attention you give her, the likelier the chance she’ll get your attention that way again next time she is bored.

Last, but not least – Be Proactive. Take your dog out often. In the beginning stages of housetraining better once to many than to miss. A Mindful Leader fulfills their dog’s need before it arises. Being allowed and given opportunity to eliminate is such a need. Read more about how you can score leadership points in your dog's mind.